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Into the Storm: Back from Oklahoma; severe weather possible next week

Photo provided by Brad Hruza

Caption

A scene from Moore, Okla.

Photo provided by Brad Hruza

Caption

A scene from Moore, Okla.

Happy holiday weekend. The photos posted with today's blog were taken when we went to Moore, Okla., last month to drop off donations collected by Kailey Davison and Payton Micka, students at Blackberry Creek Elementary School.

One photo is behind the lines where seven children lost their lives. This is why it's important not to become complacent. There was a cross for each child and a center one, where we laid flowers. A second photo shows the spot they lost their lives at Plaza Towers Elementary School. It is NOT a matter of "IF" but "WHEN" this kind of disaster will happen locally. I can only warn everyone and help be ready for when it does happen here.

As I watch the weather models: Late weekend into next week we are looking pretty active again for possible severe weather. We are in the Derecho/Squall line time of year. The way the models are depicting the jet stream next week, running west to east, these lines will follow that straight through the area with damaging winds and hail. I will keep an eye on the models, as it is a long ways out still to forecast. I ask, though, not to be complacent with these lines if they form. Derecho-type lines can and often do produce 100-plus mph winds. We experienced that just a couple of weeks ago. These lines should be treated like tornado warnings. Those winds are stronger than a EF-1 tornado. It's also about the same as a category 2 hurricane. Like I said. though. we have time to see if this does pan out.

I always teach kids and parents to take every severe warning as a tornado warning and seek shelter like you would in a tornado. Sometimes they will produce tornadoes with no warning. But mainly, winds that strong will do major damage. So my safety lesson would be to not be complacent and stay tuned for any changing weather. These type pop and can go severe fast.

There is a chance of storms each of the next seven days. The next few days, however, severe storms are very unlikely if they even do form. Also, people have been asking where the heat has been this summer. Remember back in winter when we started mild and ended into spring cold and snowy? This summer may shape up the same way, but just the opposite – starting cool and ending with heat and storms. We shall watch this as well.

Right now, we have more rain this year than we had all of last year, and we are only halfway through the year. I am prepared to say this may end up the wettest year on record. Stay tuned for further updates and my website, www.stormchaser1.net.

Also, my book should be finished and published in the next month or two. When it is finished, I will post that in my blog, as well as how to get the book.